A Phenomenologic Study of the Experiences of Pediatric Cancer Survivors After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Abstract

To explore the experiences of pediatric cancer survivors in South Korea after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. 14 survivors of childhood cancer who had undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation at a pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation center. Participants underwent in-depth face-to-face or online interviews from October 2020 to January 2021. Data were analyzed following Giorgi's descriptive phenomenologic research method. The following four themes emerged: regaining physical strength, a wish to express the overwhelming burden, cultivating positive thinking through reflection, and living a self-directed life. Pediatric cancer survivors experienced deep appreciation toward surroundings and everyday life, engaged in broader and greater positive thinking, and strived to live a self-directed life despite physical limitations and negative emotions. Interventions enabling pediatric cancer survivors to express challenges and help them recover physical fitness are needed to improve their post-transplantation quality of life. These results can inform healthcare providers, nurses, and the general community to provide high-quality care to cancer survivors.